Let $H$ be a torsion-free compact $p$-adic analytic group whose Lie algebra is split semisimple. We show that the quotient skewfield of fractions of the Iwasawa algebra $\varLambda_H$ of $H$ has trivial centre and use this result to classify the prime $c$-ideals in the Iwasawa algebra $\varLambda_G$ of $G:=H\times\mathbb{Z}_p$. We also show that a finitely generated torsion $\varLambda_G$-module having no non-zero pseudo-null submodule is completely faithful if and only if it is has no central torsion. This has an application to the study of Selmer groups of elliptic curves.